It is important that every child participate in the standardized testing identified by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Testing data allows instructors to identify how best to meet a child’s educational needs.

How does ISD 318 use data from the MCAs or other standardized tests?
The District uses the data to measure student performance against standards set by MDE. MDE has created a set of academic standards for each grade level.

How does it benefit students?
Standardized testing shows us where students are doing well, and allows teachers to replicate the methods used to teach those subjects. It also shows where students may need improvement and allows schools to adjust instruction in that area.

District 318 uses a variety of assessment tools to measure student growth, including NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, STAR, Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment, and locally developed assessments. Included to your left are links to the Elementary Assessment Schedule and the District 318 Testing Schedule.

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are state tests in mathematics, reading and science that meet the requirements of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). They are given every year to measure student performance against the Minnesota Academic Standards that specify what students in a particular grade should know and be able to do.

It is the policy of ISD 318 to provide equal education and employment opportunity for all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

This document is available in alternative formats upon request, by contacting the Superintendent's Office at 218-327-5704. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.